Vertical side gradation in the a bulls-eye level for surface and edge levellingleveling, along with means for angle measurement

ABSTRACT

The present invention describes a bulls-eye level to be used for levelling of surface and edges. The bulls-eye level includes a fluid case containing a fluid inside, an indicator i.e. bubble to indicate level and calibrated markings for measurement. The bulls-eye level can comprise of any degree or any sort of gradation that is printed on the surface of the bullseye level, which can be used to track the movement of the bubble along the side edges. The gradations present in the bulls-eye level can be used for surface and edge levelling in both vertical and horizontal positions, along with angle measurement. The gradations of the bulls-eye level are printed either on the outer surface or the inner surface, which is clearly visible with the luminous yellow color clear fluid inside. The gradations of the hulls-eye level comprises starts from 0° to 360° both in vertical and horizontal positions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to orientation devices and, moreparticularly, to “bulls-eye levels” and methods, used for leveling thesurfaces and the edges of objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several tools are used for measuring the surface inclination in placessuch as construction sites, in order to gain accurate and precisemeasurements of the gradient and the inclination of a surface. Severalsystems are currently in use for measuring the gradient and theinclination angle. They include water-level instrumentation, electronicinstrumentation etc, which help to measure whether the surface is levelor not. Water-level instrumentation does not accurately measure gradientpercentage and the angle of inclination. Electronic instrumentation isused for the same purpose. But at construction sites and in differentenvironmental conditions, electronic instrumentation might get damagedand not operate properly. Another level measurement device which iscommonly used at construction sites and other locations is the“bulls-eye level”.

A bulls-eye level is a type of inclinometer, comprising a circular airbubble level where the bubble is free to move in an x-y plane. Thebulls-eye level can measure positive inclines (slopes) as well asnegative inclines. Positives slopes can be measured by an observer whenthey are looking upwards and negative slopes can be measured by anobserver when they are looking downwards. The bulls-eye level istypically a cylindrical shaped container which has a base marked withthe inclination indications.

The bulls-eye level has degree markings printed on the base that can beviewed through a transparent window. A small bubble is provided insidewhich moves when the bulls-eye level is moved. The position of thebubble is determined by the inclination and the level can be measuredagainst the degree markings in order to determine the slope. Thebulls-eye level instrument is typically secured to the equipment thatmust be leveled, typically prior to installation of any equipment orobject.

There are several prior art patents which describe various ways throughwhich levels and inclinations are measured.

A prior art patent US88806769 B2 describes a bulls-eye indicator andmethod. This patent describes a bulls-eye indicator device, and itsmethod of manufacture, used to measure the two-dimensional angle ofinclination of equipment that is mounted on the sea bed. A base andtransparent window are sealed and fastened together. The transparentwindow is spherical and forms a dome. A volume between the base andtransparent window is filled or substantially filled with liquid. Afloating sphere floats against the two-dimensional angular degreeindicia.

Another patent U85839200 A describes a Multi-function horizontal andvertical alignment tool which is a combination level that has a carrierforming two opposite parallel major surfaces. A tube level is mounted onone of the surfaces of the circular level and a circular level ismounted on the other, opposite, surface. Either one of the majorsurfaces can be used directly to abut against the work which is to bealigned, or an additional, preferably elongate, member can be attachedto the carrier and which abuts against said work. The carrier is mountedon the abutting member at a known angular relationship or the carriercan be mounted for selected angular adjustments abutting to the abuttingmember, so that selected positioning of the tubular and circular levelsis relative to each other on substantially horizontal planes wherecontact of the work allows measurement of vertical alignment and plumbcondition of the work.

Another patent U820150308820A1 illustrates a bubble type level fordetermining the orientation of a structure, that includes first andsecond differently-oriented bubble vials that are secured within thelevel body in a manner such that if either of the bubble vials becomesbroken or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the levelneed not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention alsoincludes a novel connector mechanism that enables the level to beremovably interconnected with the structures to be leveled, such asconduit. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally-spacedmagnets that are connected to the bottom surface of the level body and abulls-eye level that is mounted on the top surface of the level body.

Another patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,809 discloses an apparatus fordetecting the angle of inclination of a vehicle and for providing analarm signal when the inclination of the vehicle exceeds a predeterminedmaximum safe level. An elongate, pliant tubular member made of anelectrically-conductive material has its intermediate segment mounted byan insulated clamp to a vertical panel which may be situated on thevehicle's dashboard. The end segments of the tubular member are upwardlyinclined, and the degree of inclination is shown by angular indicia onadjacent portions of the vertical panel. A plurality of sphericalcontact elements made of an electrically-conductive material arepositioned within the tubular member. A pair of contact points made ofan electrically-conductive material are inserted into the opposite endsof the tubular member. When the angle of inclination of the vehicleexceeds the safe level, the contact elements will strike one of thecontact points. This causes an electric current from the vehicle'sbattery to energize an indicator such as a buzzer which provides awarning signal.

The above described prior art patents provide various methods to measurethe level of the surfaces. They provide very accurate results, but acommon problem which is associated with the bulls-eye level is one ofparallax error. Parallax error is caused by the observer and the objectbeing observed being in different relational orientations, causinginaccurate readings.

Thus there is a need for a leveling system which provides both verticaland horizontal gradation provided along with the bulls-eye level thatcan be used to level both vertical and horizontal surfaces, and alsomeasure the angle of inclination.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improvedbulls-eye level.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bulls-eye levelhaving improved ability to accurately measure the level in both verticaland horizontal surfaces.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bulls-eye levelthat provides accurate readings by eliminating observation-inducederrors while measuring the angle of inclination.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bulls-eye levelhaving the degree or gradation on the vertical surface of the bulls-eyelevel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bulls-eye levelthat can measure horizontal, vertical and angle measurements ofsurfaces, along with pipe slope measurements etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes an improved bulls-eye level that can beused for leveling of surface and edges. The bulls-eye level includes atransparent or substantially transparent enclosure containing a fluid,and calibrated markings on the fluid casing.

The present invention describes an improved bulls-eye level that can beused for leveling of surfaces and edges. The vertical gradations presentin the bulls-eye level can be used for surface and edge leveling, aswell as angle measurements.

The present invention comprises of plurality of lines which are used forangle measurement. The lines which are used for angle measurement aremade on the transparent surface of the casing. The angle measurementlines are used to measure the two-dimensional angle of inclination thatcan be measured using the fluid and the bubble present in, the bulls-eyelevel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the transparent fluid caseof the bulls-eye level comprises of a clear fluid along with a bubble,which moves around when the bulls-eye level is inclined. The transparentfluid is colored, rendering it clearly visible through the transparentcase and it highlights the printed or etched angle measurement lines.Usually a luminous yellow colored fluid is used in the transparent fluidcase so that the angle measurement lines and the concentric indiciacircles are clearly visible to the user. The clear colored fluid isinserted inside the transparent fluid case until the volume is almostbut not completely filled, with a small space remaining, thus forming abubble.

The bulls-eye level also comprises of more than one concentric circlesalong with angle measurement lines. The bubble which is formed in thetransparent fluid case of the bulls-eye level accurately measures thetwo-dimensional angle using the angle measurement lines.

The bulls-eye level may comprise of any degree or any sort of gradation,etched or printed on the substantially vertical (side) surface of thebulls-eye level, which can be used to identify the location of thebubble along the side edges. When the leveling is done in the verticalposition of the bulls-eye level, the bubble is always located at thehighest vertical point. The vertical side gradation present on thebulls-eye level can also be expanded onto the horizontal edge thatallows leveling in other dimension.

The present invention can be used for leveling surfaces in both verticaland horizontal planes. The gradations or markings of the bulls-eye levelcan be printed or etched either on the outer surface or the innersurface, which will be clearly visible with the clear fluid inside. Thepresent invention can be used for both surface and edge leveling, alongwith angle measurement. The present invention along with an elongateruler can be used for the surface, horizontal, vertical and any anglemeasurement, any shaft rotation angle measurement, pipe slopemeasurement etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the bulls-eye level placed in a verticalposition, which shows a bulls-eye level with gradations etched orprinted on the vertical surface, which permit the movement of the bubbleto be viewed along, the side edge.

FIG. 2 illustrates the front view of the bulls-eye level placed in avertical position, which shows the gradations which are etched orprinted on the vertical surface and expanded to the horizontal edge.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bulls-eye level in the horizontalposition to measure the levels of horizontal surfaces.

FIG. 4 is the isometric view of the bulls-eye level in the verticalposition to measure the levels of vertical surfaces.

FIG. 5 is the front elevated view of the bulls-eye level, showing thegradations that are printed on the outer surface of the bulls-eye level.

FIG. 6 is the front elevated view of the bulls-eye level, showing thegradations that are printed on the inner surface of the bulls-eye level.

FIG. 7 is the front view of the bulls-eye level, which can be used alongwith an external or outside frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the bulls-eye level apparatus is shown formeasurement of the surface level and angle of inclination.

FIG.1 is a top view of the bulls-eye level placed in a verticalorientation, which shows a bulls-eye level with gradations etched orprinted on the surface, which enable the user to track the movement ofthe bubble along the side edge. The bulls-eye level 1 includes a fluidcase 2 having a colored transparent fluid 3 inside, along with anindicator 4, such as an air bubble. The gradations 5 are etched orprinted on the surface of bulls-eye level 1. The degree marking or anysort of gradation 5 is printed or etched on the vertical surface or theside surface of the bulls-eye level I in order to track the movement ofthe indicator 4 i.e. bubble, along the side edge. The gradations 5 whichare made along the vertical surface of the bulls-eye level 1, start fromzero degrees up to three hundred and, sixty degrees. When the bulls-eyelevel 1 is placed in a vertical position in order to measure the level,the indicator 4 i.e. the bubble, is always located at the highest pointin the bulls-eye level 1, and when the bulls-eye level 1 is placed inthe horizontal position, the indicator 4 i.e. the bubble is alwayslocated at the center of the bulls-eye level. The indicator 4 i.e. thebubble, reacts directly to the changes made in the elevation of theangle of the bulls-eye level apparatus 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates the front view of the bulls-eye level placed in avertical position, which shows the gradation that is etched or printedon the vertical surface and expanded to the horizontal edge. Thebulls-eye level 7, when observed from the top, comprises an indicatori.e. the bubble 8, at the top, along with the angle measurement linesthat are used in the measurement of the gradient and the angle ofinclination. The bulls-eye level 7 has the gradations 9 made at theedge, which is extended to the vertical surface. The gradations 9 aremade from zero degrees up to three hundred and sixty degrees both onvertical and horizontal surfaces. The transparent fluid case of thebulls-eye level 7 contains the colored transparent fluid that highlightsthe gradations made on the top surface of the bulls-eye level 7.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bulls-eye level in the horizontalposition to measure the levels of horizontal surfaces. With the help ofthe present invention, the bulls-eye level could be used for horizontallevel measurements. The horizontal position of the bulls-eye levelcomprises the gradations 10 on the top surface starting from zerodegrees to three hundred and sixty degrees. The indicator 11 i.e. thebubble, is visible through the top horizontal surface that providesaccurate positioning of the measured horizontal surface.

FIG. 4 illustrates the isometric view of the bulls-eye level in thevertical position to measure the levels of vertical surfaces and edges.With the help of the present invention, the bulls-eye level could beused in a substantially vertical position. The vertical position of thebulls-eye level comprises the gradations 12 on the top surface startingfrom zero degrees to three hundred and sixty degrees. The indicator 13,i.e. the bubble, is visible at the top which provides accuratemeasurement of vertical surfaces, angles and inclinations.

FIG. 5 is the front elevated view of the bulls-eye level, showing thegradations 14 that are printed on the outer surface of the bulls-eyelevel. The colored transparent fluid is filled inside the emptytransparent fluid case of the bulls-eye level. The gradations 14 whichare printed on the outer side of the fluid case of the bulls-eye levelare clearly visible with the colored background created with the help ofthe colored fluid.

FIG. 6 is the inside view of the transparent body of the bulls-eyelevel, showing the gradations that are printed on the inner surface ofthe bulls-eye level. The gradations 15 are printed on the inner surfaceof the bulls-eye level. The gradations 15 which are printed on the innerside of the fluid case of the bulls-eye level can be clearly visiblewith the colored background created by the colored fluid.

Another embodiment of the present invention discloses the bulls-eyelevel which can be used along with external frames. The illustration ofthe bulls-eye level used along with the external frame is disclosed inFIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is the front view of the bulls-eye level, showing the gradationscreated on an external or outside frame. The gradations are generallyused to track the movement of the bubble indicator along the edge of thebulls-eye level in vertical position. The bulls-eye level 16 can beplaced inside an external frame 18 such as an elongate ruler or anyother frame which has the gradations 17 on it and inclinationmeasurements can be made.

The present invention can be used for leveling of surfaces and edgeswhich is made possible by creating the gradations on both the horizontaland vertical surfaces. The vertical gradation can be used formeasurement of vertical surfaces, angles and inclinations. Thegradations can track the movement of the bubble indicator along the edgeof the bulls-eye level in vertical position, which can be done in twoways. One way is by creating the gradations on the vertical edge of thebulls-eye level, and other way is by creating the gradations on anexternal frame and placing the bulls-eye level inside the externalframe. When the bulls-eye level is placed inside the external frame, thefluid case is filled with the coloured transparent fluid and the outersurface is left clear without any imprint on it.

The fluid which is filled inside the transparent fluid container is aclear liquid with a distinctive color which is clearly visible throughthe transparent surface and the printed or etched angle measurementlines. Usually luminous yellow colour is liquid is used in thetransparent container so that the angle measurement lines are clearlyvisible to the user to facilitate easy and accurate angle measurements.The clear liquid is filled inside the transparent container until thevolume of full, with a small space inside, thus forming a bubble. Thebubble which is formed in the transparent container of the bulls-eyelevel accurately measures the two-dimensional angle using the anglemeasurement lines. The bulls-eye level can be used to track the movementof the indicator i.e. the bubble along the side edges. When surfaceleveling is done in the vertical position, the indicator i.e. the bubbleis always located at the highest point.

The present invention is not only limited to the use of an air bubble asindicator. The bulls-eye level can be used along with any kind of bubbleor ball which could float in the filling liquid present inside the fluidcase. The bubble or ball could be an oil drop, a solid ball made oflight material such as plastic, a hollow ball or other kind of objecthaving the property of being free-floating.

The main advantage of the present invention is that the surface levelingcan be done in both vertical and horizontal positions.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the gradations ormarkings of the bulls-eye level can be printed either on the outersurface or the inner surface.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the bulls-eyelevel can be used for both surface and edge leveling, along with anglemeasurement.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the bulls-eyelevel along with the ruler can be used for the surface, horizontal,vertical measurement, angle measurements, shaft rotation anglemeasurement, and pipe slope measurement etc.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the bulls-eyelevel fluid case can be filled with a transparent liquid along with thebubble inside, which can be any kind of bubble or ball such as an airbubble, an oil drop, a plastic ball, a hollow ball etc.

I claim:
 1. A bulls-eye level indicator for use in indicating the levelof a surface, comprising: a transparent case containing a fluid a fluidwhich substantially fills said volume of the transparent case with theformation of a bubble, a plurality of angle measurement lines formed onsaid transparent case, said plurality of angle measurement linesindicating said two-dimensional angle of inclination.
 2. A bulls-eyelevel indicator for use in indicating the level of the surface asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the transparent case is a substantiallycircular disk shape.
 3. A bulls-eye level indicator for use inindicating the level of the surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesaid liquid is a colored and clear liquid which is filled in the saidtransparent case such that a bubble is formed.
 4. A bulls-eye levelindicator for use in indicating the level of the surface as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the said bubble acts as the level indicator in twodimensions.
 5. A bulls-eye level indicator for use in indicating thelevel of the surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tracking linesand circles are etched or printed on the horizontal surface of the casesuch that it tracks the position of the bubble.
 7. A bulls-eye levelindicator for use in indicating the level of the surface as claimed inclaim 1 claim, wherein the said plurality of angle measurement linesmeasures the two-dimensional angle of inclination.
 8. A bulls-eye levelindicator for use in indicating the level of the surface as claimed in1, wherein the said lines of measurement are etched on the verticalsurface (edge of the disk shaped case) and the horizontal surface of thecircular disk shaped case.
 9. A bulls-eye level indicator for use inindicating the level of the surface as claimed in claim 1 wherein thesaid lines of measurement are degree gradations from zero degrees tothree hundred and sixty degrees covering the circumference of thedisk-shaped case.
 10. A bulls-eye level indicator for use in indicatingthe level of the surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said bubbleis at highest point in the vertical position of the level indicator andthe bubble is at the center of the bull-eye level in the horizontalposition of the level indicator.
 11. A bulls-eye level indicator for usein indicating the level of the surface as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe said bull-eye level indicator is capable of measuring both edge andsurface inclinations.